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This highest trail in the park provides spectacular views of the canyons below and is a fun challenge to undertake.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Point to Point

3,155' 962 m

High

2,509' 765 m

Low

696' 212 m

Up

61' 19 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Breathtaking vistas and varying terrain make this hike a fun challenge for older (perhaps age 8-10 and up) kids and adults. Be on the lookout for several kinds of lizards and beautiful wildflowers.

Description

Warm-up with a short hike from the Canyon Loop Trail trailhead before turning west to begin the climb up to the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail. The climb is short but quite steep, ascending nearly 500 feet in about a quarter of a mile. This is not your average hike in the park; you'll need just a bit of both cardiovascular and muscular stamina to enjoy the climb. Stop frequently to observe how the view of landscape to the east changes as you ascend.

Note how the landscape and vegetation changes as you head west and north along the ridge to meet the Upper Canyon Trail before descending to Fern Cave, where you'll usually find a spring of cold water trickling from the rock and forming a small pool. Cool off and take a rest before heading out again.

During warmer months, start your hike early to avoid the scorching mid-day sun and heat.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joseph Ellis

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#11758

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#235

in Texas

#11,758

Overall
35 Views Last Month
1,206 Since Aug 9, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Early morning on John Hayes Ridge.
Mar 19, 2024 near Quitaque, TX
View to the northeast shortly after climbing to John Haynes Ridge
Jul 29, 2017 near Silverton, TX
Canyon Loop Trail passing through the canyon
Apr 8, 2015 near Silverton, TX

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 6 days ago
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